U.S. patent application number 16/650142 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-03 for helmet and temperature regulation system.
This patent application is currently assigned to KYOCERA Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is KYOCERA Corporation. Invention is credited to Takeshi HIGUCHI.
Application Number | 20200275722 16/650142 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004855290 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200275722 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HIGUCHI; Takeshi |
September 3, 2020 |
HELMET AND TEMPERATURE REGULATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A helmet with an outer shell has a buffer disposed inside the
outer shell, a first flow channel positioned between a head of a
wearer of the helmet and the buffer, and a second flow channel
positioned in a groove formed in the buffer or at a portion where
the buffer is partially absent. In the helmet, a heating medium
containing at least partially a liquid flows through the first flow
channel and the second flow channel.
Inventors: |
HIGUCHI; Takeshi;
(Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KYOCERA Corporation |
Kyoto |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
KYOCERA Corporation
Kyoto
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000004855290 |
Appl. No.: |
16/650142 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
October 1, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2018/036738 |
371 Date: |
March 24, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/283 20130101;
A42B 3/121 20130101; A42B 3/125 20130101; A42B 3/08 20130101; A42B
3/064 20130101; B32B 2437/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/12 20060101
A42B003/12; A42B 3/06 20060101 A42B003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 12, 2017 |
JP |
2017-198633 |
Claims
1. A helmet with an outer shell, comprising a buffer disposed
inside the outer shell; a first flow channel positioned between a
head of a wearer of the helmet and the buffer; and a second flow
channel positioned in a groove formed in the buffer or at a portion
where the buffer is partially absent, wherein a heating medium
containing at least partially a liquid flows through the first flow
channel and the second flow channel.
2. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the first
flow channel is smaller than that of the second flow channel.
3. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the first flow channel
is configured as a flexible micro flow channel.
4. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the second flow channel
is formed into a tube shape.
5. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the heating medium
contains aluminum nitride particles.
6. The helmet according to claim 1, comprising a circulation pump
configured to circulate the heating medium through at least one of
the first flow channel and the second flow channel.
7. The helmet according to claim 1, comprising a heat exchanger
configured to exchange heat of the heating medium.
8. The helmet according to claim 6, comprising a controller
configured to regulate a temperature of the heating medium flowed
through at least one of the first flow channel and the second flow
channel by controlling at least one of the circulation pump and the
heat exchanger.
9. The helmet according to claim 8, wherein the controller
regulates the temperature of the heating medium on the basis of a
temperature related to the wearer.
10. The helmet according to claim 9, wherein the controller
regulates to reduce the temperature of the heating medium when the
temperature related to the wearer is a first threshold or more.
11. The helmet according to claim 9, wherein the controller
regulates to increase the temperature of the heating medium when
the temperature related to the wearer is a second threshold or
less.
12. The helmet according to claim 9, comprising a biological
information sensor configured to detect the temperature related to
the wearer.
13. The helmet according to claim 8, wherein the controller
regulates the temperature of the heating medium on the basis of the
temperature related to the helmet.
14. The helmet according to claim 13, wherein the controller
regulates to reduce the temperature of the heating medium when the
temperature related to the helmet is a third threshold or more.
15. The helmet according to claim 13, wherein the controller
regulates to increase the temperature of the heating medium when
the temperature related to the helmet is a fourth threshold or
less.
16. The helmet according to claim 13, comprising an environmental
information sensor configured to detect the temperature related to
the helmet.
17. A temperature regulation system, comprising: a helmet according
to claim 1; at least one of a biological information sensor and an
environmental information sensor; and a controller configured to
regulate a temperature of the heating medium on the basis of at
least one of a temperature related to the wearer detected by the
biological information sensor and a temperature related to the
helmet detected by the environmental information sensor.
18. A helmet with an outer shell; comprising: a buffer disposed
inside the outer shell; and a second flow channel positioned in a
groove formed in the buffer or at a portion where the buffer is
partially absent, wherein a heating medium containing at least
partially a liquid flows through the second flow channel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-198633 filed on Oct. 12, 2017,
the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to helmets and temperature
regulation systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A helmet is known as a protector to protect a head of a
wearer. Further, a helmet with a cooling system is proposed to
improve comfort of a wearer. For example, in a helmet disclosed in
Patent Literature (PTL) 1, a cooling system using Peltier elements
is disposed at a position corresponding to the back of a head of a
wearer.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] PTL 1: JP2006-016714A
SUMMARY
[0005] A helmet according to an embodiment has an outer shell. The
helmet has a buffer disposed inside the outer shell, a first flow
channel positioned between a head of a wearer of the helmet and the
buffer, and a second flow channel positioned in a groove formed in
the buffer or at a portion where the buffer is partially absent. In
the helmet, a heating medium containing at least partially a liquid
flows through the first flow channel and the second flow
channel.
[0006] A temperature regulation system according to an embodiment
has the above described helmet and at least one of a biological
information sensor and an environmental information sensor, and
regulates a temperature of the heating medium on the basis of at
least one of a temperature related to the wearer detected by the
biological information sensor and a temperature related to the
helmet detected by the environmental information sensor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the accompanying drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an exterior view of a
helmet according to an embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an exterior view of a
helmet according to an embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal
structure of the helmet according to an embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first flow channel in
FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a part of a cross-sectional
view illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a part of a cross-sectional
view illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of a part of a cross-sectional
view illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an internal structure of
a helmet according to another embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a
schematic configuration of the helmet according to an
embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an exterior view of a
variation of the helmet according to an embodiment; and
[0018] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an exterior view of a
variation of the helmet according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] It would be very advantageous if a helmet appropriately
protects a head of a wearer and inside the helmet can be regulated
to a comfortable temperature while being worn. This disclosure
relates to a helmet and a temperature regulation system that
realize a good temperature regulation while keeping a wearer safe.
According to a helmet and a temperature regulation system according
to an embodiment, a good temperature regulation can be realized
while keeping a wearer safe. An embodiment will be described in
detail below with reference to drawings. A helmet according to this
embodiment may be one worn by an occupant(s) of various types of
vehicles including, for example, two-wheel vehicles such as
motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles such as racing cars. However, a
helmet according to this embodiment is not limited to the use of a
helmet by an occupant. For example, a helmet according to this
embodiment may be used for various purposes such as one worn by
workers worked at a factory for safety. The helmet according to
this embodiment may be used for any purpose for protecting mainly a
head of a wearer.
[0020] First, an external structure of the helmet according to an
embodiment will be described.
[0021] FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams each illustrating an exterior
view of the helmet according to an embodiment. FIG. 1A is an
exterior perspective view of a helmet 1 according to this
embodiment and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a state where the
helmet 1 is worn on a head H of a wearer.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the helmet 1 according to this
embodiment has, for example, an outer shell (shell, hat body) 10, a
shield 12 and a shield screw 14 in appearance. As illustrated in
FIG. 1B, the helmet 1 according to this embodiment is worn, as with
a general helmet, by a wearer of the helmet 1 with his/her head H
inserted in the helmet 1 in the positive direction of the Z-axis as
illustrated.
[0023] The outer shell 10 protects the head H of the wearer when an
impact is applied to the helmet 1 from outside. The outer shell 10
may be made of a hard material so as to protect the wearer's head
H. For example, the outer shell 10 may be made of a synthetic resin
such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, a composite
material such as fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) or a thermoplastic
material such as polycarbonate (PC). In a normal use, the outer
shell 10 may preferably be formed such that it wraps around the
wearer's head H. Therefore, the outer shell 10 may be formed
slightly larger than the wearer's head H. In this case, a buffer
described later is placed in a gap between the outer shell 10 and
the wearer's head H, and thus the wearer's head H is kept in
safe.
[0024] The shield 12 covers at least a part of the wearer's eyes or
face. The shield 12 can protect the wearer's eyes or face from
ambient air, ambient temperature, foreign matters and the like. The
shield 12 may be made of a hard material so as to protect eyes or
face of the wearer. For example, the shield 12 may be made of a
thermoplastic material such as polycarbonate (PC). The shield 12
can be configured to transmit a certain degree of visible light so
as to ensure the vision of the wearer. The shield 12 may also be
configured to slightly reduce the visible light transmission (while
securing the vision) so as to mitigate glare felt by the wearer.
Further, the shield 12 may be configured to reduce the ultraviolet
(UV) transmission so as to protect the wearer eyes.
[0025] The shield screw 14 is used to attach the shield 12 to the
outer shell 10. The shield screw 14 may be a screw member made of a
material with a certain degree of hardness such as metal or
plastic, for example. The shield 12 may be rotatably attached to
the outer shell 10 by the shield screw 14. In this case, the shield
12 can rotate about the shield screw 14 in a certain rotation
range. That is, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, although the shield 12 is in a
closed state (with respect to the outer shell 10), the shield 12
can be in an opened state (with respect to the outer shell 10),
which enables the wearer of the helmet 1 to regulate the ambient
air taken into the outer shell 10 during a ride, for example.
[0026] In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the shield 12 and the shield screw 14
may be omitted according to the use of the helmet 1. That is, the
helmet 1 may be configured to have no shield 12 according to the
use. In this embodiment, in order to keep the wearer safe, the
helmet 1 may be configured to include the outer shell 10 that
covers at least a part of the head of the wearer.
[0027] Hereinafter functions related to safety and temperature
regulation of the helmet 1 according to this embodiment will be
mainly described. Therefore, descriptions of the functions other
than the above described functions are appropriately simplified or
omitted. For example, a common helmet ventilation system including
an air intake, an air duct and an air outlet is not illustrated in
FIGS. 1A and 1B. Such ventilation system can be adopted
appropriately to the helmet 1 as needed. A strap (chin strap), etc.
which helps the helmet 1 not to be easily detached from the head of
the wearer is also omitted in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0028] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate what is called a full-face type
helmet as the helmet 1 according to this embodiment. However, the
helmet 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to the
full-face type helmet illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The helmet 1
according to this embodiment may be what is called a jet helmet or
a half-hat helmet. The helmet 1 according to this embodiment may
also be a helmet for works such as constructions or other types of
helmet such as a hat-like helmet.
[0029] Subsequently, an internal structure of the helmet according
to an embodiment will be described.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal
structure of the helmet 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2
illustrates a cross-sectional view approximately parallel to the YZ
plane near the center of the X-axis direction of the helmet 1
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the helmet 1 has an outer shell
10, a buffer 20, a first flow channel 30A and a second flow
channels 30B. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the outer shell 10 covers
outside of the helmet 1. The outer shell 10, as the outer shell of
the helmet 1, may have strength enough to withstand an impact of a
certain degree from outside. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
buffer 20 is disposed inside the outer shell 10. The buffer 20 may
be made of styrofoam or an appropriate buffer material, for
example. When an impact is applied to the outer shell 10 of the
helmet 1, the buffer 20 is crushed by the head of the wearer, and
thus the impact applied to the wearer's head is reduced (absorbed).
When the buffer 20 is disposed inside the outer shell 10, it may be
attached with a suitable material such as an adhesive, a
double-faced tape or a hook and loop fastener and the like.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the helmet 1, the first flow
channel 30A is positioned inside the buffer 20. The first flow
channel 30A is formed into a relatively thin sheet. FIG. 2 is a
cross-sectional view of the helmet 1. In FIG. 2, the cross-section
of the sheet-like first flow channel 30A is represented with a bold
line. In FIG. 2, the sheet-like first flow channel 30A is disposed
so as to be directly attached to the buffer 20. However, a shock
absorber such as a cushioning material, for example, may be placed
between the buffer 20 and the sheet-like first flow channel 30A.
The head of the wearer of the helmet 1 is positioned further inside
the sheet-like first flow channel 30A. That is, the first flow
channel 30A is positioned between the buffer 20 and the head of the
wearer of the helmet 1. When the first flow channel 30A is disposed
inside the buffer 20, it may be attached with suitable materials
such as an adhesive, a double-faced tape or a hook and loop
fastener and the like. Suitable materials such as an adhesive, a
double-faced tape or a hook and loop fastener and the like may also
be used when a shock absorber such as a cushioning material is
attached between the buffer 20 and the sheet-like first flow
channel 30A.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of the
sheet-like first flow channel 30A in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram
illustrating at least a part of the first flow channel 30A in an
expanded and planar manner, viewed from the bottom of the helmet 1
(to the positive direction of the Z-axis) in FIG. 2. The first flow
channel 30A illustrated in FIG. 3 may extend across the entire
inside of the buffer 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 or extend across at
least a part of the inside of the buffer 20 illustrated in FIG. 2.
Further, the first flow channel 30A illustrated in FIG. 2 may be
formed of only one first flow channel 30A, or of a plurality of
first flow channels 30A illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0034] The first flow channel 30A may be made of a relatively hard
material. However, the first flow channel 30A is a member being
directly or indirectly in contact with the head of the wearer of
the helmet 1. Therefore, it is better for safe fitting to the head
of the wearer to make the first flow channel 30A of a relatively
flexible material, such as nylon, for example.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a micro flow channel 32 forming
the first flow channel 30A may be made of polymer. Further, the
micro flow channel 32 forming the first flow channel 30A may be a
micro-flow channel having a diameter of 200 .mu.m or less, for
example. In this case, the first flow channel 30A formed in a
sheet-like shape may have a thickness of from about 0.5 mm to about
2.0 mm, for example. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the first flow
channel 30A, when a heating medium is passed through the micro flow
channel 32, an object in contact with or located near the first
flow channel 30A can be heated or cooled. In FIG. 3, as a simple
example, the first flow channel 30A is formed of one micro flow
channel 32, which includes only one inlet port and only one outlet
port for the heating medium. However, the micro flow channel 32
forming the first flow channel 30A may be provided with a plurality
of inlet ports to appropriately merge each heating medium, or may
be provided with a plurality of outlet ports to appropriately
branch the heating medium.
[0036] The heating medium flowed through the micro flow channel 32
illustrated in FIG. 3 may be any fluid such as gas or liquid, for
example. The heating medium flowed through the micro flow channel
32 illustrated in FIG. 3 may also be the above described fluid
containing at least partially a solid such as particles, for
example. In this embodiment, the heating medium flowed through the
micro flow channel 32 may be a liquid such as water, for example,
containing a predetermined amount of particles having a relatively
high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum nitride, for example.
In this context, an aluminum nitride to be contained in the heating
medium may be fine particle with a diameter of tens of microns. In
this manner, in the helmet 1 according to this embodiment, a
heating medium containing at least partially a liquid flows through
the first flow channel 30A. In this manner, a heating medium is
flowed through the first flow channel 30A, which allows the head of
the wearer in contact with or located near the first flow channel
30A can be heated or cooled.
[0037] Further, as described above, when an impact is applied to
the outer shell 10 of the helmet 1, the buffer 20 is crushed by the
head of the wearer. Also in this case, the first flow channel 30A
with flexibility allows itself to be deformed in response to a
crushed buffer 20. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the
outer shell 10 of the helmet 1, the helmet 1 reduces (absorbs) an
impact applied to the head of the wearer.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the helmet 1 according to this
embodiment, the buffer 20 is spread not all over inside the outer
shell 10. That is, the buffer 20 does not exist on some portions
inside the outer shell 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the helmet
1 according to this embodiment, the second flow channel 30B is
positioned on portions where the buffer 20 does not exist inside
the outer shell 10. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, a
plurality of buffers 20 formed into a substantially elongated
rectangular shape are disposed inside the outer shell 10. The
buffers 20 are slightly separated from each other, and the second
flow channel 30B is disposed in each gap between buffers 20.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second flow channel 30B may be
formed into a tube shape. The second flow channel 30B may have a
diameter larger than that of the first flow channel 30A, that is, 2
mm or larger, for example. In other words, the first flow channel
30A may have a diameter that is smaller than that of the second
flow channel 30B. Further, the second flow channel 30B may be made
of a relatively hard material. However, the second flow channel 30B
may be formed of a relatively flexible material such as nylon, for
example, so as to be deformed when the buffer 20 is crushed. In
this manner, when an impact is applied to the outer shell 10 of the
helmet 1, the helmet 1 reduces (absorbs) an impact applied to the
head of the wearer. That is, when an impact is applied to the outer
shell 10 of the helmet 1, the second flow channel 30B does not
hinder deformation of the buffer 20.
[0040] As with the first flow channel 30A, when heating medium is
passed through the second flow channel 30B, an object in contact
with or located near the second flow channel 30B can be heated or
cooled. The heating medium flowed through the second flow channel
30B may be the same as or different from the heating medium flowed
through the first flow channel 30A. In this embodiment, the heating
medium flowed through the second flow channel 30B may be obtained
by adding a predetermined amount of particles having a relatively
high thermal conductivity such as aluminum nitride, for example, to
a liquid such as water, for example.
[0041] In this manner, in the helmet 1 according to this
embodiment, a heating medium containing at least partially a liquid
flows through the first flow channel 30A and the second flow
channel 30B. In this manner, when a heating medium is flowed
through the second flow channel 30B, a portion in contact with or
located near the second flow channel 30B can be heated or cooled.
In particular, the second flow channel 30B can increase or decrease
the temperature between the head of the wearer of the helmet 1 and
the outer shell 10, that is, the temperature inside the outer shell
10 of the helmet 1. It is to be noted that the disclosed helmet may
use only one of the first flow channel 30A and the second flow
channel 30B.
[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the diameter of the second flow
channel 30B may be smaller than the thickness of the buffer 20 (the
length in the Z-axis direction). In this manner, each second flow
channel 30B can be completely embedded between buffers 20. Thus, a
risk of the second flow channel 30B hindering the safety of the
buffer 20 can be reduced.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates arrangement of the buffer 20 and the
second flow channel 30B. Therefore, a ratio of sizes of the members
such as the buffer 20 and the second flow channel 30B in FIG. 2
does not correspond to the actual ratio of the sizes. For example,
in FIG. 2, second flow channels 30B may be disposed closer or
farther apart from each other. The size, the number, and the
position of each member may be changed appropriately depending on
the required temperature regulating function of the helmet 1.
[0044] Further, arrangement of the buffer 20 and the second flow
channel 30B is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 2. In the
example illustrated in FIG. 2, each second flow channel 30B is
disposed in a gap between buffers 20 that are completely separated
from each other. That is, the positional relationship between the
buffer 20 and the second flow channels 30B in FIG. 2 is as
illustrated in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A, a part of the cross-section of
the helmet 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 is enlarged. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 4A, the second flow channel 30B is disposed in
a gap between buffers 20 that are completely separated from each
other. Further, the second flow channel 30B is disposed between the
outer shell 10 and the first flow channel 30A in the thickness
direction inside the helmet 1. As a variation of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 4A, the second flow channel 30B may be disposed
so as to be in contact with at least one of the outer shell 10 and
the first flow channel 30A, for example.
[0045] Further, in this embodiment, the second flow channel 30B is
not limited to the configuration in which the second flow channel
30B is positioned at a portion where the buffer 20 is partially
absent (FIGS. 2 and 4A). For example, the buffer 20 is not
separated into a plurality of portions, and a groove is formed in a
part of the buffer 20, and the second flow channel 30B may be
disposed along the groove. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B,
on a surface where the buffer 20 and the outer shell 10 are opposed
to each other, a groove may be formed in the buffer 20 and the
second flow channel 30B may be disposed along the groove. Further,
as illustrated in FIG. 4C, for example, on a surface where the
buffer 20 and the first flow channel 30A are opposed to each other,
a groove may be formed in the buffer 20 and the second flow channel
30B may be disposed along the groove. In this manner, in this
embodiment, the second flow channel 30B may be positioned in a
groove formed in the buffer 20 or in a portion where the buffer is
partially absent. Moreover, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4A,
a space around the second flow channel 30B (a gap between the
buffers 20) may at least partially be filled with any cushion
material and the like, for example. Any of the above described
configurations may not significantly impair the function related to
safety aspect of the buffer 20.
[0046] Further, in this embodiment, the second flow channel 30B is
not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2. Many of the
second flow channels 30B illustrated in FIG. 2 is configured to
flow a heating medium through a channel along a surface nearly
parallel to the ZX plane. However, in this embodiment, a path of
the second flow channel 30B may radially spread from near the ear
of the wearer of the helmet 1, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0047] Further, in each example illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the
path of the second flow channel 30B near the top of the head of the
wearer of the helmet 1 is disposed nearly parallel to the X-axis
direction. However, in this embodiment, the path of the second flow
channel 30B is not limited to such arrangement. For example, the
path of the second flow channel 30B may be disposed nearly parallel
or obliquely to the Y-axis direction near the top of the head of
the wearer of the helmet 1. Moreover, the path of the second flow
channel 30B may be disposed not only in one direction but also in a
plurality of directions near the top of the head of the wearer of
the helmet 1. In this case, a plurality of the second flow channels
30B may be merged or branched, or they may be crossed without being
merged or branched.
[0048] The circulation pump 40 illustrated in FIG. 2 circulates the
above described heating medium through at least one of the first
flow channel 30A and the second flow channel 30B. The circulation
pump 40 circulates a liquid by rotating a motor, for example. As
the circulation pump 40, any pump such as a diaphragm-type liquid
feed pump configured to allow a fluid such as a liquid to flow in
and out to circulate may be adopted. In this embodiment, the
circulation pump 40 to be adopted may be one that changes rotation
number of the motor by adjusting the input current by current
control, for example, so as to change the flow rate of a liquid to
be circulated.
[0049] The circulation pump 40 may be disposed at any position
inside or outside the outer shell 10 of the helmet 1. In this case,
the circulation pump 40 disposed may be a compact one. In FIG. 2,
the circulation pump 40 is disposed inside the outer shell 10 of
the helmet 1. However, the circulation pump 40 may be disposed
outside the outer shell 10 of the helmet 1.
[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates, as an example, a configuration in which
the circulation pump 40 flows a heating medium flowed out from any
one of a plurality of the second flow channels 30B into any one of
the other second flow channels 30B. In FIG. 2, a circulation pump
configured to circulate a heating medium flowed through the first
flow channel 30A is not illustrated. In this context, the
circulation pump 40 may also circulate the heating medium flowed
through the first flow channel 30A. In this case, an inlet port and
an outlet port of the micro flow channel 32 illustrated in FIG. 3
may be connected to the circulation pump 40. Such connection aspect
is not illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Further, a circulation pump
configured to circulate a heating medium flowed through the first
flow channel 30A may be provided separately from the circulation
pump 40 illustrated in FIG. 2. In this case, the first flow channel
30A is formed of a micro flow channel, and thus a circulation pump
configured to circulate a heating medium flowed through the first
flow channel 30A may be a micro flow channel pump, for example.
[0051] A biological information sensor 50A illustrated in FIG. 2
may be various types of sensors such as a temperature sensor, a
blood flow sensor, a pulse wave sensor and the like, for example.
The biological information sensor 50A may also be a heart rate
sensor, a pulse sensor and the like. In this embodiment, the
temperature of the heating medium flowed through at least one of
the first flow channel 30A and the second flow channel 30B is
regulated according to the biological information detected by the
biological information sensor 50A. The biological information
sensor 50A is not limited to a temperature sensor, a blood flow
sensor and a pulse wave sensor, and may be a sensor configured to
detect various kinds of information related to the wearer of the
helmet 1. Hereinafter an aspect in which the biological information
sensor 50A is a temperature sensor is described as a typical
example. That is, hereinafter the biological information sensor 50A
detects a temperature related to the wearer of the helmet 1. In
this context, the temperature related to the wearer of the helmet 1
detected by the biological information sensor 50A may be a
temperature at any position (e.g. around ears of the wearer) of the
head of the wearer of the helmet 1, for example.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the biological information sensor
50A is disposed at a position inside the outer shell 10, inside the
buffer 20 or inside the first flow channel 30A suitable to detect
the biological information of the wearer of the helmet 1. In an
example illustrated in FIG. 2, the biological information sensor
50A is disposed at a position behind the ear of the wearer of the
helmet 1.
[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates an example where only one biological
information sensor 50A is disposed behind the ear of the wearer of
the helmet 1. However, any number of biological information sensors
50A may be disposed at any position of the helmet 1 according to
various requirements and/or specifications. For example, the
biological information sensor 50A may be disposed in the helmet 1
such that it abuts or comes close to the forehead, the top, side
and back of the head, the temple and the neck of the wearer of the
helmet 1.
[0054] In the helmet 1, a portion that directly in contact with the
wearer of the helmet 1 adheres to the skin of the wearer.
Therefore, in the helmet 1, when the biological information sensor
50A is disposed at a portion that directly in contact with the
wearer, the position of the biological information sensor 50A that
comes in contact with the wearer is almost fixed. In this manner,
the biological information sensor 50A can appropriately detect the
biological information of the wearer of the helmet 1 under a stable
state.
[0055] The environmental information sensor 50B illustrated in FIG.
2 may be various types of sensors such as a temperature sensor, a
humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor and the like, for example.
In this embodiment, the temperature of the heating medium flowed
through at least one of the first flow channel 30A and the second
flow channel 30B is regulated according to the environmental
information detected by the environmental information sensor 50B.
The environmental information sensor 50B is not limited to a
temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor and
the like, and may be a sensor configured to detect various kinds of
information related to the helmet 1. Hereinafter an aspect in which
the environmental information sensor 50B is a temperature sensor is
described as a typical example. That is, hereinafter the
environmental information sensor 50B detects a temperature related
to the helmet 1. In this context, the temperature related to the
helmet 1 detected by the environmental information sensor 50B may
be a temperature in the helmet 1, in particular, a temperature
between the outer shell 10 and the first flow channel 30A.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the environmental information
sensor 50B may be disposed between the outer shell 10 and the first
flow channel 30A. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the
environmental information sensor 50B is disposed between buffers
20. In this manner, the environmental information sensor 50B can
detect the environmental information inside the helmet 1.
[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates an example where only one environmental
information sensor 50B is disposed between two buffers 20. However,
any number of environmental information sensors 50B may be disposed
at any position in the helmet 1 according to various requirements
and/or specifications.
[0058] Subsequently, a function of temperature regulation in the
helmet 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
[0059] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a
schematic configuration of the helmet 1. In FIGS. 1 to 5,
functional parts that are not required to be viewed from outside
are appropriately omitted. In FIG. 6, functional parts that are
necessary for the helmet 1 to regulate temperatures will be also
described.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the helmet 1 according to this
embodiment has a first flow channel 30A, a second flow channel 30B,
circulation pumps 40A and 40B, a biological information sensor 50A,
an environmental information sensor 50B, a controller 60 and heat
exchangers 70A and 70B. Explanation of the above described
functional parts will be appropriately simplified or omitted.
[0061] As described above, the first flow channel 30A may be formed
of a micro flow channel, and the second flow channel 30B may be
formed into a tubular shape. The first flow channel 30A is
connected to the circulation pump 40A, and the second flow channel
30B is connected to the circulation pump 40B. In FIG. 2, the helmet
1 has only one circulation pump 40. On the other hand, in FIG. 6,
the first flow channel 30A and the second flow channel 30B are
connected to the circulation pump 40A and the circulation pump 40B,
respectively. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish
the circulation pump between the circulation pump 40A and the
circulation pump 40B, the circulation pump is simply referred to as
the circulation pump 40.
[0062] The controller 60 controls overall electrical functions of
the helmet 1 including the temperature regulation function of the
helmet 1.
[0063] The helmet 1 may include at least one processor as the
controller 60 to provide control and processing capability for
performing various kinds of functions. According to various
embodiments, at least one processor may be implemented as a single
integrated circuit (IC) or a plurality of integrated circuits
communicably connected to each other and/or a discrete circuit. At
least one processor can be implemented according to various known
techniques.
[0064] In one embodiment, a processor includes one or more circuits
or units configured to implement one or more data calculation
procedures or processes. For example, the processor may implement
the functions described below by one or more processors,
controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application
specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processors,
programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, any
combinations of these devices or configurations, or combinations of
other known devices or configurations.
[0065] In this embodiment, the controller 60 controls the
circulation pumps 40A and 40B to control the flow rate of the
heating medium flowed through the first flow channel 30A and the
second flow channel 30B.
[0066] As described above, the biological information sensor 50A
detects the temperatures related to the wearer of the helmet 1 and
sends the information of the detection results to the controller
60. As described above, the environmental information sensor 50B
detects the temperatures related to the helmet 1 and sends the
information of the detection results to the controller 60.
[0067] In this embodiment, the controller 60 may regulate the
temperature of the heating medium flowed through at least one of
the first flow channel 30A and the second flow channel 30B on the
basis of the temperature detected by the biological information
sensor 50A. Further, in this embodiment, the controller 60 may also
regulate the temperature of the heating medium flowed through at
least one of the first flow channel 30A and the second flow channel
30B on the basis of the temperature detected by the environmental
information sensor 50B.
[0068] The heat exchanger 70A exchanges the heat of the heating
medium flowed through the first flow channel 30A, and the heat
exchanger 70B exchanges the heat of the heating medium flowed
through the second flow channel 30B. The heat exchangers 70A and
70B may employ Peltier element, for example, that has a heat
exchange function. The heat exchanger 70A cools or heats the
heating medium flowed between the first flow channel 30A and the
circulation pump 40A. In the same manner, the heat exchanger 70B
cools or heats the heating medium flowed between the second flow
channel 30B and the circulation pump 40B. Hereinafter, when it is
not necessary to distinguish the heat exchanger between the heat
exchanger 70A and the heat exchanger 70B, the heat exchanger is
simply referred to as the heat exchanger 70. The heat exchanger 70
can allow the temperature of the heating medium flowed through the
first flow channel 30A or the second flow channel 30B to escape to
the temperature outside the helmet 1 or to the ambient air
temperature. Conversely, the heat exchanger 70 can add the
temperature outside the helmet 1 or the ambient air temperature to
the temperature of the heating medium flowed through the first flow
channel 30A or the second flow channel 30B.
[0069] There may be some cases where the temperature of the heating
medium is desired to be cooled or heated in a relatively rapid
manner depending on the temperature detected by the biological
information sensor 50A and/or the environmental information sensor
50B. Therefore, in this embodiment, the controller 60 regulates the
speed of cooling or heating the temperature of the heating medium
by controlling at least one of the circulation pump 40 and the heat
exchanger 70. For example, when the heat exchanger 70 is operated
with a large power and further the flow rate of the circulation
pump 40 to circulate the heating medium is increased, the
temperature of the heating medium can be cooled or heated steeply.
Conversely, for example, when the operation power of the heat
exchanger 70 is reduced and further the flow rate of the
circulation pump 40 to circulate the heating medium is decreased,
the temperature of the heating medium can be cooled or heated
moderately. Further, when the temperature of the heating medium is
cooled or heated moderately, the controller 60 may operate the
circulation pump 40 and the heat exchanger 70 related to only
either one of the first flow channel 30A and the second flow
channel 30B.
[0070] In this manner, in this embodiment, the controller 60
controls at least one of the circulation pump 40 and the heat
exchanger 70 to regulate the temperature of the heating medium
flowed through at least one of the first flow channel 30A and the
second flow channel 30B.
[0071] Specifically, for example, the controller 60 may control to
reduce the temperature of the heating medium flowed through the
first flow channel 30A when the temperature related to the wearer
of the helmet 1 is a predetermined first threshold (e.g. 37.degree.
C.) or more. On the other hand, for example, the controller 60 may
control to increase the temperature of the heating medium flowed
through the first flow channel 30A when the temperature related to
the wearer of the helmet 1 is a predetermined second threshold
(e.g. 35.degree. C.) or less. In this case, the threshold may be
determined on the basis of the body temperature (normal body
temperature) of the wearer of the helmet 1. When the temperature is
regulated in this manner, comfort of the wearer of the helmet 1 can
be improved while reducing the influence of the ambient air
temperature.
[0072] Further, for example, the controller 60 may control to
reduce the temperature of the heating medium flowed through the
second flow channel 30B when the temperature related to the helmet
1 is a predetermined third threshold (e.g. 28.degree. C.) or more.
On the other hand, for example, the controller 60 may control to
increase the temperature of the heating medium flowed through the
second flow channel 30B when the temperature related to the helmet
1 is a predetermined fourth threshold (e.g. 15.degree. C.) or less.
In this case, the threshold may be determined on the basis of the
temperature of the environment (e.g. the ambient air temperature)
in which the wearer of the helmet 1 is placed. When the temperature
is regulated in this manner, comfort of the wearer of the helmet 1
can be improved while reducing the influence of the ambient air
temperature.
[0073] When wearing a helmet, an exclusive suit (e.g. overalls),
exclusive shoes (or exclusive boots) and the like to ride on a
vehicle such as a motorcycle, for example, a wearer will be heavily
armed. It is assumed therefore that the wearer will be
uncomfortable with a lot of sweat especially in summer, for
example. Conversely, when riding on a vehicle such as a motorcycle
in the middle of winter, or when working in a freezing or
refrigerating facility, it is assumed that the wearer feels
uncomfortable with coldness even if the wearer is heavily
armed.
[0074] Protective clothing or helmet equipped therein with
air-conditioning function has been proposed. However, such
protective clothing or helmet that has been proposed has a problem
of upsizing, insufficient usability, difficulty in maintaining
safety of the wearer, and the like. On the other hand, the helmet 1
according to this embodiment can be miniaturized compared to the
existing helmet equipped with a fan, a water-cooled system and the
like.
[0075] Further, the helmet 1 according to this embodiment
cooperates with the biological information sensor, which enables
temperature regulation in consideration of various situations.
Therefore, the helmet 1 according to this embodiment provides
comfort to the wearer of the helmet 1 and can reduce the risk for
the wearer suffering from dehydration or heatstroke. Further, the
helmet 1 according to this embodiment has the above described
temperature regulating function and can ensure a configuration
related to the safety of the wearer as well. Therefore, according
to the helmet 1 of this embodiment, a good temperature regulation
can be realized while keeping the wearer safe.
[0076] In the above described temperature regulation, the heating
medium is controlled to be cooled or heated depending on the
temperature detected by the biological information sensor 50A
and/or the environmental information sensor 50B. Such control may
be dynamically performed depending on the temperature detected on a
steady basis or performed depending on the temperature detected at
predetermined time intervals.
[0077] Further, if there is no predetermined change in the
temperature detected by the biological information sensor 50A
and/or the environmental information sensor 50B even after a
predetermined time from the above-described temperature regulation,
the controller 60 may control to inform a possibility of
abnormality. For example, when no effect is seen in the temperature
detected by the biological information sensor 50A even after a
temperature control is performed, and then a predetermined time
(e.g. three minutes) is passed, the wearer of the helmet 1 is
suspected to have a risk of heatstroke, for example.
[0078] In this case, the controller 60 may control such that the
above described risk is informed as the information recognizable by
the wearer of the helmet 1 such as sound, light, vibration and the
like. In order to output a sound for informing the wearer, the
helmet 1 may have a sound output unit such as a buzzer or a
speaker, for example. In order to output light for informing the
wearer, the helmet 1 may have a light emitting unit such as a light
emitting diode (LED), for example. In order to output vibration for
informing the wearer, the helmet 1 may have a vibrating unit such
as a vibrator.
[0079] Further, as described above, when the wearer of the helmet 1
is suspected to be suffering from any risk, the controller 60 may
control to output a notification to an external server or an
external emergency unit that controls the health information of the
wearer of the helmet 1, for example. A communication unit having a
function of wireless communication, for example, is provided to the
inside or outside the controller 60 to output such
notification.
[0080] Further, in the above described embodiment, the biological
information sensor 50A measures the temperature related to the
wearer of the helmet 1. However, in the helmet 1, instead of or
along with the biological information sensor 50A, which is a
temperature sensor, a sensor capable of detecting heart rate, pulse
rate, pulse wave, blood flow rate and the like may be provided. In
this manner, for example, when the wearer of the helmet 1 has an
increase in pulse rate or a sudden decrease in blood flow rate, an
appropriate temperature regulation can be performed or a notice can
be given to the wearer and/or to an external server or an external
emergency unit.
[0081] In the above described embodiment, all of the functions
illustrated in FIG. 6 are assumed to be provided inside or outside
of the helmet 1. However, the helmet 1 according to this embodiment
is not limited to the above described configuration. Among the
functions illustrated in FIG. 6, the first flow channel 30A and the
second flow channel 30B are needed to be provided at least inside
or outside the helmet 1 to regulate the temperature of the head of
the wearer of the helmet 1. On the other hand, among the functions
illustrated in FIG. 6, the members other than the first flow
channel 30A and the second flow channel 30B may be provided outside
the helmet 1 being apart therefrom, or provided as a function part
separate from the helmet 1.
[0082] For example, the circulation pump 40 connected to at least
one of the first flow channel 30A and the second flow channel 30B
may be provided as an external function separated from the helmet
1. In this case, at least one of the first flow channel 30A and the
second flow channel 30B may be connected to the circulation pump 40
through a tube through which a heating medium is flowed. Further,
in this configuration, the heat exchanger 70 may also be provided
as an external function separate from the helmet 1. In this case,
the heat exchanger 70 may be disposed at any position of the tube
connected between at least one of the first flow channel 30A and
the second flow channel 30B and the circulation pump 40.
[0083] Further, the controller 60 may also be provided as a
separate function outside the helmet 1, rather than inside the
helmet 1. In this case, the controller 60 may be connected to other
functions such as the circulation pump 40 and the heat exchanger 70
wired or wireless. When the controller 60 communicates with the
other functions wirelessly, a communication unit having a wireless
communication function may be provided inside or outside the
controller 60.
[0084] When the controller 60 is provided outside the helmet 1 as a
separate function, wired connection using a cable is no more needed
if the controller 60 and at least a part of the other function is
connected wirelessly. In this manner, the burden of connecting a
cable can be avoided and a risk of breaking a wire caused by
tangled wires can be avoided as well. In the above described
embodiment, at least one of the biological information sensor 50A
and the environmental information sensor 50B is assumed to be
connected to the controller 60 wired. However, at least one of the
biological information sensor 50A and the environmental information
sensor 50B may be connected to the controller 60 wirelessly.
[0085] Further, when the controller 60 is provided outside the
helmet 1 as a separate function, the controller 60 is not
necessarily provided as a dedicated device. For example, when a
two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle driven by the wearer
of the helmet 1 has a controller such as a computer, the computer
may serve as the controller 60. In this case, the helmet 1 does not
need to have the controller 60, and may have only a communicating
unit configured to communicate with the controller 60. Furthermore,
when the controller 60 is provided outside the helmet 1 as a
separate function, a cell phone or a smart phone carried by the
wearer of the helmet 1 may serve as the controller 60. In this
case, when an application for controlling the helmet 1 is installed
in a cell phone or a smart phone carried by the wearer of the
helmet 1, the temperature of the helmet 1 can be controlled.
[0086] As described above, the helmet 1 according to this
embodiment can also be realized as an element included in the
temperature regulation system. In this case, the temperature
regulation system according to this embodiment includes the helmet
1, at least one of the biological information sensor 50A and the
environmental information sensor 50B and the controller 60. In this
case, the controller 60 regulates the temperature of the heating
medium at least on the basis of the temperature related to the
wearer of the helmet 1 detected by the biological information
sensor 50A and the temperature related to the helmet 1 detected by
the environmental information sensor 50B.
[0087] In FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 5, what is called a full-face type
helmet is illustrated as the helmet 1 according to this embodiment.
However, the helmet 1 according to this embodiment is not limited
to the full-face type. The helmet according to this embodiment may
be a jet helmet 2 illustrated in FIG. 7A or a half-hat helmet 3
illustrated in FIG. 7B. Further, the helmet according to this
embodiment may be a helmet for works such as constructions or a
helmet like a hat. The helmet according to this embodiment can
adopt the above-described configuration as long as the helmet is a
head protector having the outer shell 10.
[0088] Although this disclosure has been described on the basis of
the drawings and the examples, it is to be understood that various
changes and modifications may be made easily on the basis of this
disclosure by those who are ordinarily skilled in the art.
Accordingly, such changes and modifications are included in the
scope of the disclosure herein. For example, functions and the like
included in each function, each component, each step and the like
may be rearranged without logical inconsistency. A plurality of
functions or steps can be combined into one or divided. Further,
the above described each embodiment is not limited to one that
faithfully implements each embodiment described and may be
implemented by combining each feature or omitted a part thereof
appropriately.
[0089] For example, the above described heat exchanger 70 is
explained as an element such as a Peltier element, for example,
that has a function of heat exchange. As a simpler configuration, a
small fan may be provided as the heat exchanger 70. The temperature
of a heating medium flowed through the first flow channel 30A
and/or the second flow channel 30B can be cooled by rotating a
small fan with a motor and the like, for example,
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0090] 1 helmet [0091] 10 outer shell [0092] 12 shield [0093] 14
shield screw [0094] 20 buffer [0095] 30A first flow channel [0096]
30B second flow channel [0097] 32 micro flow channel [0098] 40
circulation pump [0099] 50A biological information sensor
(temperature sensor) [0100] 50B environmental information sensor
(temperature sensor) [0101] 60 controller [0102] 70 heat
exchanger
* * * * *